Demolition work started earlier this year at the Harlow site which was due to be home to PHE’s public health science campus and headquarters.

Kier, Wates and VolkerFitzpatrick have been awarded major contracts for the job where main construction work is due to start next year.

Now local council leaders are calling for clarification on the scheme’s future after Health Secretary confirmed that PHE will be scrapped and replaced by the National Institute for Health Protection (NIHP)

Harlow Council leader Mark Ingall said: “We will be seeking urgent reassurances and an update from the government and Public Health England on what the changes to the organisation could mean for the public health science campus and headquarters in Harlow.”